Mali advanced to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals after a dramatic 3-2 victory on penalties over Tunisia, despite being reduced to ten men for more than 90 minutes. El Bilal Toure converted the decisive spot-kick after Ali Abdi missed for Tunisia and Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra made two crucial saves in the shootout.
The Eagles will now face 2021 champions Senegal in Tangier on Friday (16:00 GMT) as they bid to continue their unlikely run in Morocco.
Mali Go Down to Ten Men Early
The match, played in Casablanca, saw Mali reduced to ten men in the 26th minute when right-back Woyo Coulibaly received a straight red card for a dangerous studs-up challenge on Hannibal Mejbri. Coulibaly’s departure forced the West Africans into a defensive, compact shape, inviting pressure from Tunisia for much of the contest.
Despite dominating possession, Tunisia struggled to break down Mali’s resolute defence. The first shot on target did not arrive until the 79th minute, when Mejbri’s long-range free-kick nearly beat Diarra.
Late Drama Sends Match to Extra Time
Tunisia appeared to have won it in regulation time when Firas Chaouat’s header found the net with just two minutes remaining. However, a handball by Yassine Meriah in stoppage time handed Mali a lifeline. Lassine Sinayoko calmly converted the resulting penalty, sending the game into extra time at 1-1.
Extra time saw further controversy: Chaouat thought he had scored in the 106th minute, tapping Abdi’s cross into the net, only for it to be ruled offside. With both teams failing to find a winner, the contest proceeded to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout: Diarra and Toure Hold Nerve
The shootout, played in driving rain, was a rollercoaster affair. Mali fell behind 2-1 after the first three rounds, but goalkeeper Djigui Diarra produced crucial saves to deny Elias Achouri and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane.
El Bilal Toure kept his composure to slot the decisive fifth penalty, sending Mali through 3-2, despite their inability to win a match in regulation time during the tournament so far.
“It was a tense shootout, but the players showed incredible composure under pressure,” said Mali coach Tom Saintfiet.
Mali’s Discipline and Resilience
While Mali’s squad boasts undeniable talent, they have struggled with discipline, receiving red cards in two consecutive matches. Saintfiet will need to address this before facing Senegal, a side that has already scored 10 goals at AFCON 2025.
Tunisia, meanwhile, will reflect on their failure to capitalize on a numerical advantage. Despite controlling much of the match, the Carthage Eagles were unable to score from open play during the second half and extra time.
Next Up: Quarter-Finals Against Senegal
Mali’s reward is a last-eight clash against Senegal, a team with a strong scoring record and 2021 AFCON champions. The Eagles’ performance has been characterized by defensive grit, late drama, and penalty shootout composure, but they will need to improve their discipline and attacking efficiency to challenge Senegal.
Tunisia, who finished second in Group C with a single group-stage win, exits the tournament at the last-16 stage, continuing their struggle to advance deep into AFCON since lifting the trophy in 2004.
Match Statistics and Key Moments
- Final Score: Mali 1–1 Tunisia (Mali won 3-2 on penalties)
- Red Cards: Woyo Coulibaly (Mali, 26’)
- Penalty Scorer: Lassine Sinayoko (Mali, stoppage time)
- Decisive Shootout Penalty: El Bilal Toure (Mali)
- Goalkeeper Heroics: Djigui Diarra – saved Tunisia’s 4th and 5th penalties
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